European Council President Did Not Notify Members About Call to Putin to Establish Contact Prime Minister Petteri Orpo revealed that most EU Council members were unaware of Charles Michel’s diplomatic call to Putin’s entourage until after it occurred. This lack of prior coordination led to criticism from some member states, who viewed it as a serious misstep. Michel defended his decision, emphasizing the need for the EU to maintain its own diplomatic channel regarding Ukraine, despite Russia showing no signs of readiness for substantive negotiations.

• Finnish PM Petteri Orpo stated he and most EU Council members learned of Charles Michel’s call to Putin’s entourage after it happened.
• The call was a diplomatic effort involving Michel’s chief of staff and Putin’s foreign policy advisor.
• Some EU countries expressed irritation and criticized Michel for not coordinating the call in advance.
• Latvian PM Andris Kūlbergis questioned the value of diplomatic channels if Russia isn’t ready for diplomacy.
• Michel defended his action, stating the EU must have its own diplomatic channel without relying on others’ interpretations of Moscow’s position.
• Michel stated Russia has shown no readiness for substantive negotiations, and the EU will continue to support Ukraine and maintain sanctions.
• Disagreement exists within the EU on the need for negotiations and the format of representation in potential talks.